What is CAVERTA ?

CAVERTA is Ranbaxy's brand of "sildenafil citrate". Sildenafil is the latest oral drug introduced for the treatment of a condition known as "erectile dysfunction" (ED). CAVERTA can help many men who have ED, get and keep an erection when they become sexually stimulated.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED is the inability to get and/or keep an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is a common problem experienced by many men. Yet, due to shyness and embarrassment this problem does not receive proper medical attention.

CAVERTA enables many men with ED to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection.

If the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren't working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection. CAVERTA increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and keep an erection. When the sexual act is over, the erection goes away.

Sildenafil (CAVERTA) improves erections in up to 80% men who take it, regardless of how long they have had ED, what caused it, or how old they are.

CAVERTA needs to be taken about 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. However it may be taken from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. For most patients, action begins in about 30 minutes. CAVERTA can help achieve an erection only if the person is sexually excited.

No! With CAVERTA, one must be sexually aroused to get an erection. If someone takes CAVERTA and is not sexually stimulated, nothing will happen - he won't get an erection just by taking the tablet. CAVERTA is not a hormone. It is not an aphrodisiac. It's a prescription medicine that can improve the erectile function of most men with erection problems.

CAVERTA is taken as and when needed. It can be taken anywhere from half-an-hour to 4 hours before sexual activity. Generally, it is taken 1 hour before sexual activity.

CAVERTA comes in different strengths (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg). The recommended dose is 50 mg and the physician may adjust this dose to 100 mg or 25 mg, depending on the needs of the patient. The maximum dose is 100 mg, which can be given to patients who do not respond to 50mg and who do not have cardiovascular disease. The drug should not be used more than once a day.

For most patients, CAVERTA should not be taken more than once a day.

Sildenafil citrate (CAVERTA) is considered as a breakthrough in the treatment of erectile dysfunction because it is the first effective oral drug for the treatment of ED, regardless of its cause.

Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit it is advisable not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking CAVERTA.

Yes, but taking CAVERTA after a high-fat meal (such as a pav bhaji and French fries) may cause CAVERTA to take a little longer to start working.

CAVERTA is only for patients with ED. CAVERTA is not for children, or women. CAVERTA must be used only under a doctor's supervision.

CAVERTA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the tablet.

Nitrates lower blood pressure. Simultaneous use of CAVERTA with nitrates may cause sudden and marked lowering of blood pressure. This can cause dizziness and may precipitate angina or heart attack in certain patients.

Like all medications, CAVERTA can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of CAVERTA.

With CAVERTA, the most common side effects are headache, facial flushing, dyspepsia and nasal congestion. CAVERTA may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light. Rarely, an erection lasting more than 4 hours may occur and if it occurs, immediate medical help should be sought.

Elderly patients who do not suffer from serious cardiac problems and do not have any other contraindication mentioned above can take CAVERTA. They should be given lower dose (25mg) of CAVERTA.

Remember CAVERTA is to be used only under medical supervision.

Patients with hepatic or renal impairment can take lower dose (25mg) of CAVERTA.

In studies up to 2 years, sildenafil has maintained its clinical efficacy. Good tolerability and low withdrawal rates were seen during 2 years' treatment. Headache, flushing, dyspepsia were the most common adverse events. Abnormal vision occurred in 2% of patients. No long-term vision problems were noted.

CAVERTA does not cure ED. It helps patients to achieve and maintain an erection whenever it is taken. ED is cured only when the primary cause is successfully tackled.